US Supremes again refuse to hear plea to close Chicago canal to carp

THE US Supreme Court has again refused to hear pleas from a Michigan-led six-state and one Canadian province backed petition to close the Chicago Ship Canal because of fears it gives access to Asian carp to enter the Great Lakes from the Mississippi River system.

American Waterways Operators, the barge industry association, have said lock closures would cost US$4.7 billion. A DePaul University study, commissioned by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, said more air pollution and road congestion would result if cargo was transported by truck.

Michigan, responding to ecologist claims that the Asian carp are too big - 100 pounds - and menace other species in the lakes as well as to recreational boaters. Michigan now calls for a permanent separation of the Great Lakes from the Mississippi River, a position backed by Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana and the Canadian province of Ontario.

Michigan now plans to petition Congress to close the canal through new legislation, reported American Shipper.

(Source: www.schednet.com)